Texas’ biggest tax-free weekend is here. See what qualifies, and what doesn’t

Archiebald Browne
Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg

Inflation fears heat up in Texas as thoughts of back-to-school shopping creep back to parents’ minds. But relief is coming in the form of a tax-free holiday the first weekend of August.

The tax exemption can be used for items such as pencils, notebooks and backpacks for as long as the item is under $100. The annual Comptroller of Public Accounts sales tax exemption is Aug. 5-7, and includes items purchased with coupons as long as the price is under $100.

The National Retail Federation reported earlier this month that 84% of school shoppers are expected to see higher prices this year.

Texas’ back-to-school shoppers can buy items in stores or online. However tax is due on the entire price if a delivery fee pushes an item past $100.

Items bought online or by phone can be shipped past the date as long as the purchase is made during the tax holiday.

What qualifies as tax-free?

Qualifying products you can buy tax-free:

  • Clothing or footwear

  • School backpack (Purchased for use by student in public or private elementary or secondary school)

  • Binders

  • Book bags

  • Calculators

  • Cellophane tape

  • Blackboard chalk

  • Compasses

  • Composition books

  • Crayons

  • Erasers

  • Folders

  • Glue

  • Highlighters

  • Index cards

  • Lunch boxes

  • Markers

  • Notebooks

  • Paper

  • Pencils

  • Pencil sharpeners

  • Pencil boxes

  • Pens

  • Protractors

  • Rulers

  • Scissors

  • Writing tablets

What’s not tax-free

  • Athletic clothing, footwear or protective gear

  • Athletic bags

  • Clothing or footwear rentals

  • Briefcases

  • Computer bags

  • Computers

  • Textbooks

  • Accessories

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